chapter sixteen

Jason's eyes fluttered open, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling his nostrils. He found himself lying on a plush bed in an unfamiliar room. The walls were adorned with paintings, and the air was filled with the soft hum of a medical machine. His vision was still blurry, but he could make out the silhouette of an elderly man sitting by his side—Thomas Carter, his grandfather.

"You're awake," Thomas said, his voice a mix of relief and authority. "You gave us quite a scare."

Jason groaned, trying to sit up, but his body felt like it had been hit by a truck. "Why did you lie to me?" Jason's voice was raspy. "Am I really your heir, or was this some kind of sick game?"

Thomas leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "I never lied to you, Jason. You are my grandson, and you are the rightful heir to the Carter family. But there are things about this family—secrets that even you aren't ready to handle yet."

Jason’s eyes darkened with frustration. "Secrets? What more do I need to know? Ethan’s o